Position a rack on the center rung of the oven. Heat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease the bottom of a 16X12X1 rimmed baking sheet. Line the pan with parchment to cover the bottom and the edges of the pan’s longer sides.

Prepare 2 boxes Cherrybrook Kitchen Gluten Free Brownie Mix according to directions on the box and then using one hand to anchor the parchment paper, spread the brownie batter with a spoon or spatula. Drag a rectangular offset spatula over the dough to smooth it into an even layer, rotating the pan as you work. Brush or spray a sheet of parchment the same size as the pan with oil, and lay it, oiled side down, on top of the brownie batter. Roll a straight rolling pin or a straight-sided wine bottle over the paper (or swipe it with a dough scraper) to level and smooth the brownie batter. Carefully peel away the parchment.

Bake until a pick inserted in the center comes out clean, 8 to 10 minutes. Set the pan on a wire rack and let cool to room temperature. Place cooled brownie pan in the freezer for half an hour to set the brownie sheet.

***

Layer the cookie with ice cream, then chill.

On a separate clean baking sheet lay two long pieces of plastic wrap in a cross shape.

Remove the brownie sheet pan from freezer and slide a knife along the inside edge of the pan containing the brownie to loosen it. Invert the brownie onto a large cutting board. Peel off the parchment. Using a ruler as a guide, cut the brownie crosswise into two equal pieces. Place one layer, top side down, in the middle of the plastic wrap (a wide, sturdy spatula will help the transfer).

Remove the gluten free ice cream from the freezer and take off the lid. It’s important to work quickly from this point on. (If the ice cream gets too soft, pop it onto a plate and back into the freezer to harden up.) Using scissors or a sharp knife, cut the container lengthwise in two places and tear away the container.

Set the ice cream on its side. Cut the ice cream into even slices, 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick, and arrange them on top of the brownie layer in the pan, pairing the smallest piece next to the largest. Using a rubber spatula, gently yet firmly smear the ice cream to spread it evenly, as shown below. (It helps to put a piece of plastic wrap on the ice cream and smear with your hands; remove the plastic before proceeding.)

Position the remaining brownie layer, top side up, over the ice cream. Press gently to spread the ice cream to the edges. Put a clean piece of plastic on top and wrap the long ends of the bottom sheet of plastic up and over the brownie layers and ice cream. Put the baking sheet in the freezer and chill until the gluten free ice cream sandwich is hard, about four hours and up to two days.

***Cut and garnish the sandwiches

Take the baking sheet out of the freezer. Lift the package from the pan, transfer it to a cutting board, and line the pan with a fresh piece of plastic. Peel the top layer of plastic off the sandwich (you can leave on the bottom layer.)

Working quickly, use a ruler and a long, sharp chef’s knife to score the brownie, dividing it into twelve: three across the short side and four across the long side. Cut the sandwiches as shown below, wiping the blade clean as needed. (If your kitchen is very warm, put the pieces back into the freezer to firm, or work with one strip at a time, keeping the rest in the freezer).

Garnish the sandwiches, if you like: Fill a small, shallow bowl with your chosen garnish and set it next to your work surface. Garnishes ideas are gluten free chocolate chips, crushed mint candies, or sprinkles. Press some of the garnish onto some or all of the sides of the sandwich. Set the sandwiches back on the baking sheet and return to the freezer immediately. (If your kitchen is warm, keep the sandwiches in the freezer and garnish one at a time.) Once the sandwiches are hard, wrap them individually in plastic and store in the freezer.

Make Ahead TipsIndividually wrapped sandwiches will keep for up to two weeks in the freezer.

What is Worry-Free Dinners® ?

Worry-Free Dinners® is a membership group for anyone who has manageable food allergies and/or food intolerances and would like to explore restaurants, chefs and foodservice organizations that will offer an exclusive allergy-friendly meal.

What our WFD parents are saying about us:

"I would like to say that my Worry-Free Dinners experience at Blue Smoke was the all time best restaurant experience my son has ever had. The attention to every detail made him feel totally safe without there being over emphasis on him. Every person at the table enjoyed the meal...allergic or not. As parents of an allergic child, there are no words to describe how happy we were to see him enjoy himself so much. Much appreciation to Sloane and the Worry-Free Dinners team!” - CP

“My daughter has celiac and usually has very few choices when we go out to eat. Last nights dinner at Blue Smoke was delicious and not only did she COMPLETELY enjoy her meal, my whole family did. The restaurant was great in every way. Thanks for a great evening, you really made it an enjoyable experience!” - NP

Thank you so much for organizing such a wonderful family event. We really appreciated that you went out of the way to address all of our son's food restrictions. It was so nice to learn how other families deal with the challenges that come with raising a child with severe allergies. The food at Blue Smoke was delicious, the conversations were great, the stress that generally accompanies eating out was gone and we look forward to future Worry-Free Dinners." - JM

"Worry-Free Dinners gave my child a chance to eat restaurant food for the first time in his life. At bedtime, he declared “eating at the restaurant was my favorite thing this weekend!” After spending time with other families and Sloane, I have confidence that I could actually work with a restaurant staff to have a safe family meal out."- JZB

How Do I Apply for Membership?

Thanks for your interest! Membership includes exclusive invitations to Worry-Free Dinners® and the first opportunity to sign up for these fast-selling events and much more.

DISCLAIMER

While Worry-Free Dinners® makes all reasonable efforts to ensure that the restaurants and other vendors with whom it works strictly adhere to the dietary restrictions requested for the Dinners, we are not in the kitchen and make no representations as to the ultimate products and services of such third parties. Members should always consult with their own physicians with respect to their particular allergies and sensitivities, and Worry-Free Dinners® and Allergic Girl Resources, Inc do not render medical advice. Thank you for your cooperation!